Rabaçal Lakes Hike with Nature Meetings Madeira

Rabaçal•moderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for those with reasonable endurance able to handle uneven terrain and some elevation changes.

Overview

Walk through Madeira’s ancient Laurisilva forest on a 4-hour guided hike with Nature Meetings. Along the Levada trails to Risco waterfall and the 25 Fountains, discover cascading waters and mossy groves in the island’s Natural Park.

Funchal, Madeira

Rabaçal Lakes and Fountains (Rabaçal – Risco – 25 Fontes)

Duration: 4 hours walk | Full Day | Grade: Moderate

Select participants and date

Date

Thu, Oct 30

Travelers

Adventure Photos

Rabaçal Lakes and Fountains (Rabaçal – Risco – 25 Fontes) photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a captivating 4-hour journey through Madeira's lush Rabaçal valley, nestled in the Natural Park. Discover the enchanting Laurisilva forest, adorned with mosses and ferns, as you walk along the Levada to Risco and the 25 Fountains, marveling at stunning waterfalls and serene lakes.

In Madeira, walk with us.

Duration

4 hours

About

Explore the evergreen and Luxuriant Rabaçal valley located within the Madeira Natural Park, on the northwest of the island. Discover the concealed treasures of the indigenous Laurisilva forest with its abundance of mosses, lichens and ferns. As you stroll along the Levada to Risco and the 25 Fountains you’ll be bewitched by the cascading waterfalls, singing fountains and the tiny translucent lakes.

Trail: Rabaçal Location: West Length: 12km Grade: Moderate

Pick-up

Free in Funchal
Outside 10€ / Pax

What to Bring

Comfortable shoes, a snack and a bottle of water

Adventure Tips

Wear sturdy hiking shoes

The trail includes slippery, mossy sections near waterfalls; good grip is essential.

Bring sufficient water

Though surrounded by water, fresh drinking sources are not available along the route.

Start early to avoid crowds

This popular hike can get busy; mornings offer a quieter experience.

Be mindful of levada irrigation channels

Stay on marked paths to avoid accidents near open water channels.

Local Insights

Wildlife

Madeira firecrest (Regulus madeirensis)
Laurisilva endemic butterflies

History

Madeira’s levadas date back to the 16th century, engineered to irrigate the island’s steep terrain to support agriculture and settlements.

Conservation

This area of Laurisilva forest is protected due to its rare biodiversity; visitors are encouraged to minimize impact by staying on paths and avoiding litter.